HEALTH INFORMATION

Braces correct how your teeth line up by putting steady pressure on the teeth, which eventually moves them into a straighter position. A retainer also applies pressure to your teeth, and it may be used to hold your teeth in a straight position after wearing braces. Sometimes the orthodontist may recommend that you have one or more teeth removed to create more space in your mouth. If you need to have teeth removed, you'll get medicine that will keep you comfortable.
Once your braces are on, you'll visit the orthodontist every few weeks. It's important to remember that you still need to get regular dental checkups during this time because the orthodontist doesn't clean your teeth or check for cavities. On some visits to the orthodontist, he or she may simply check to make sure that your braces are in place as they should be. At other visits, the orthodontist may adjust wires on the braces to move the teeth into position. The orthodontist may show you how to wear rubber bands, which are stretched between two teeth and help to correct the way your teeth line up.
Some kids also may need to wear other devices, such as headgear. You may have seen kids who have headgear, which gets its name from the fact that it's worn around the head. Headgear uses a horseshoe-shaped wire, which attaches to back teeth. It's designed to apply pressure that pushes the back teeth back, allowing more room for teeth in the front of the mouth.
You can expect to feel a little uncomfortable sometimes when you wear braces or other orthodontic devices. Your mom or dad can give you a pain reliever if it hurts. And the orthodontist usually provides wax you can use to cover any sharp spots on the braces that are bothering you or are rubbing against the inside of your mouth or gum.